Paper-making method and machine



Dec. 10,'1929. w. H. MILLSPAUGH PAPER MAKING METHOD AND MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 3, 1923 E Za/VZOT/ De 10, 1929. w. H. MILLSPAUGH 1,739,038

PAPER MAK'ING METHOD AND MACHINE Filed Jan. 5,1923 5 sne's-sheet 2 Dec. 10, 1929. W, H, MlLLSPAUGl-l 1,739,038

PAPER MAKING METHOD AND MACHINE Filed Jan. 3, 1925 `Dec. l()r 1929.

W. H. MILLSPAUGH Filed Jan. 5, 1923 4 PAPER MAKING METHOD AND MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Dec. 10A) 929. w. H. MILLSPAUGH 1,739,038

PAPER MAKING METHOD AND MACHINE Filed Jan. 3, 1923 5 sheets-sheet 5 Patented Dec. 10, 17929 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WILLIAM H. MILIJSPAUGH, OF SANDUSKY, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO THE PAPER AND TEX- TILE MACHINERY COMPANY, OF SANDUSKY, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO PAPER-MAKING METHOD AND MACHINE Application led January 3, 1923. Serial No. 610,538.

Among other objects, the present invention is intended to provide a method and means which will simplify, expedite'and promote efficiency and economy in certain papermaking operations.

The character of the invention will be best understood by reference to one practicable machine embodying the invention, shown in the annexed drawings.

In said drawings:

F ig.1 is a section of the formingv cylinders and associated parts of the illustrative machine; certain parts associated with one of said cylinders being indicated by dotted lines to denote an optional non-use of such parts;

Fig. 2 is a side view of the machine;

Fig. 3 is a sectional plan view;

Fig. 4 is a vertical cross section, taken through the right hand -forming cylinder with the parts inside the cylinder shown in elevation.

Fig. 5 is a detail view showing the end construction of certain pressure boxes in the left hand cylinder, and their adjustable heads, this View looking from the under side of the cylinder;

Fig. 6 is a cross-section on the line 6-6 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a section on the line 7 7 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is a plan view of a vat and portion of adjacent cylinder; and

Fig. 9 is an enlarged side view of one of the vertically disposed plates between which the liquid is laterally confined on the cylindrical forming surface, together with a portion of the cylinder.

The illustrative machine comprises oppositely rotating cylinders, 1 and 2, either of which may be used for forming a wet sheet of paper, and both of which may-be used for simultaneously forming wet sheets to be merged into a unitary thicker sheet, by the methods hereinafter explained. v

In the specific illustration, the cylinder 1 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction, and the cylinder 2 rotates in a clockwise direction.

These cylinders are of a type adapted for maintenance of vacuum action on portions of their cylindrical surfaces. They are shown as closely perforated or reticulated metal shells, covered b material suitable for a sheet-forming sur "ace, preferably wire cloth similar to the making Wire of a Fourdrinier machine. In this instance, such a forming surface is continuously supplied around a portion of the cylinder l by an endless travelling Wire-cloth member 3; while the cylinder 2 is similarly surfaced by a wire cloth jacket 4.

The endless Wire 3 is trained from the cylinder 1 in Contact with the cylinder 2, passing in this instance from the upper side of cylinder l around the lower side of cylinder 2, and .serving to carry the Wet sheet which forms on the cylinder l into contact with the cylinder 2. Said cylinder 2, in addition to its function as a forming cylinder, serves as a blower roll for forcing steam, compressed air or the like through or into the sheet, whether made on either cylinder alone or by the merging of sheets simultaneously formed on both cylinders; the sheet being firmly held to the cylinder 2, against the action of the blasts of steam and air discharging therefrom, by the wire 3.

Referring first to the cylinder l, a body of liquid pulp 5 bears on a segment of the cylindrical forming surface provided by the wire-covered portion of the cylinder. In this instance the liquid stock or pulp solution for paper making bears on the Wire on the ascending side of the cylinder, the stock being supported against the'outer side of the cylinder by a vat 6 open adjacent to the cylinder and having its side walls formed with concave edges closely overlying the forming surface of the cylinder. At the bottom of the vat, in the angle between the cylinder surface and floor of the vat, is fitted a rubber strip 7 lapping the cylinder to assist in preventing leakage of the pulp liquid at this point. The liquid stock is continuously supplied to the vat from a reservoir (not shown), and is maintained at a substantially constant level by appropriate means, such for instance as an overflow pipe 8 having its inlet located at the desired liquid level.

For a purpose hereinafter explained, the

preferably of copper, having concaved ed es conforming-to the curvature of the cylindrical forming surface and closely overlying but not in' actual contact therewith; and the narrow crevices between the cylindrical forming surface and the overlying curved edges of said plates are left open to'th'e atmosphere; the pulp liquid being held from running out through said crevices as hereinafter explained. 4See Fig. 9.

Said copper plates 9 are shown aiiixed as facings to laterally-adjustable angle-shaped vat wall members 10 (Fig. 3), which are adjustably secured to projecting vat wall members 11 by bolts 12 passing through horizontal slots in said members l1; whereby the ends of the vat walls may be ad'usted laterally for controlling thewidth o cylindrical forming surface in contact with the liquid stock, in accordance with the width of the sheet of paper to be formed.

A `rotary stirrer or agitator 13 in the vat permits maintaining the liquid stock bearing on the cylinder in a constant state of agitation, for the purpose of obtaining a criss-cross disposition, of the pulp fibres in the process of wet sheet formation. The agitator is shown in this instance in the form of blades or wings on a shaft 14 which ma be driven by application of power to the pu ley 15.

For maintaining vacuum action on the cylindrical forming surface in contact with the liquid stock, there is provided in the cylinder 1, opposite Ythe liquid column bearing thereon, a vacuum chamber 16, communicating by pipes 17 with suitable apparatus capable of maintaining a high vacuum in said chamber while drawing off large volumes of water. In this instance the vacuum chamber extends from a point on the cylinder opposite the bottom of the vat to a point above the liquid level in the vat. The vacuum chamber may advantageously be provided by a stationary suction box 18, having an open side disposed toward the pulp vat, and having its surrounding edges equipped with suitable packings 19 in contact with the interior cylinder surface.

As a convenient means for supporting the suction box, it is shown provided beyond the ends of the cylinder 1 with shoes 20 (Figs. 2 and 4) resting on and adjustably secured by bolt-and-slot connections 21 to bearing faces 22 of standards 23, which are supported from the base of the machine by brackets 24 (Figs. 2 and 4). The bearing faces 22 of the standards 23 are varranged radially of the cylinder 1, in a plane passing through the -center of the are of the vacuum chamber 16. so that the suction box 18 may be adjusted to the interior of the cylinder and, hav- 'suction box and adjustab ing been so adjusted,be secured by tightening the bolts 21.

For controlling the width of the vacuum area of the cylinder, the suction box 18 may be provided with laterally adjustable' ends or heads. In this instance it is shown having a fixed head 25 at one end and an adjustable head 26 at the other end (Figs. 3 and 4). Hence in making adjustments for the width of paper sheet to be formed, the head 25 will first be set at desired position, after which the plates 9 of the pulp vat will be set in alignlnent with the heads 25 and 26 of the suctionbox. -Said adjustable head 26 of the suction box is shown constructed on a base member 27, extending from the outer side of the head; said base member 27 bein r shaped to iit the Iy secured thereto by bolts 28 passing through longitudinal slots in the box. The head is also shown formed with an inwardly extending foot piece 29 bearin upon the inner face of the box to assist 1n steadyin the head. For conveniently adjusting tie head, a screw-rod 30, having a hand Wheel 31, is connected with the head in this instance the screw-rod being represented as swiveled to a fixed bracket 32 and threaded through the head. Thus, when the bolts 28 are loosened, the head may be moved laterally by turning the screw-rod after which the bolts 28 are tightened to secure the head in its adjusted position.

In addition to the suction box 18, the cylinder 1 is shown equipped with a second suction box 33 which in this instance is constructed integrally with the box 18. The walls of said suction-box 33, in conjunction with the traversing wall of the cylinder, provide a vacuum chamtber 34, located to act on the wet sheet of paper material after its formation from the liquid stock bearing on the cylinder. Said vacuum chamber 34, which is preferably smaller than the chamber 16, is connected by pipes 35 with a vacuum pump or pumps of high capacity. The 'ends of the suction-box 33 are constructed to accommodate laterally adjustable heads 36 (Fig. 3) which are operated by screws 37 provided with hand -wheels 39; the screws being represented as swiveled to brackets 38 and threaded through the heads.

Referring now to the operation of the cylinder 1, it will be observed that the forming surface provided by the wire on the cylinder, while travelling upwardly past the contacting body of liquid stock in the vat 6, is uninterruptedly exposed to the action of vacuum in the vacuum chamber 16, there being no contact of liquid stock with the forming surface or the sheet forming thereon after it leaves the vacuum area of the cylinder. A suitable vacuum is maintained in said chamber to draw off the pul liquid at a rate to collect continuously on t e wire the requisite supply of pulp fibres for forming the wet sheet, and to compact the libres closely and hold the fibres in close formation against the resistance or backwashing effect of the liquid in the vat. In

other 'wor-ds, by the vacuum-induced force on the liquid, the libres for a unit area of sheet deposit compactly and adhere in tightly closed condition on a corresponding area of orming surface during its travel through the arc of contact with the liquid stock. Thus the wet sheet is continuously formed by substantially simultaneous collection and compactine of pulp fibres, which has a highly beneficial effect upon the formation; and the integrity of the sheet is preserved by maintaining an uninterrupted vacuum action on the sheet until it is delivered from the`1iquid stock, so that there is no thinning or washing away of the sheet surface by the liquid.

lt is desirable to continue the application of the forming vacuum on the sheet until after it has passed a substantial Vdistance beyond the contacting liquid column, in order to hold the formation intact and erosion of the surface o drainage of water or pul back into the vat, and in order to subject t e sheet as it is delivered from the liquid to immediate consolidating and draining action. Hence, in the illustrative machine, where the liquid stock bears on a lateral segment of the cylindrical forming surface, which travels in an upward direction relative to the liquid, the vacuum chamber 16 extends sufii-ciently above the liquid level to expose the sheet to the continuing action of the forming vacuum for a substantial distance beyond the liquid body.

The method of wet sheet formation described gives a uniform, closely compacted wet paper sheet, and anexcellent formation is obtained.

It will be observed that in the illustrative construction the eduction pipes 17 from the vacuum chamber 16 are located opposite the bottom ofthe vat, so that the hydrostatic force or weight of the liquid column bearing on the cylinder assists the vacuum action in the sheet-forming process, and the vacuum does not have to lift the liquid body into the vacuum chamber.

The thickness of the wet sheet and the character of the product may be readily controlled by regulating the speed of rotation of the cylinder and the degrees of vacuum maintained on the cylindrical forming surface in contact with the liquid stock. By properly adjusting the speed and vacuum to suit conditions as to consistency of the stock and area of liquid contact, wet sheets of practically perfect formation may be produced for papers ranging from extremely thin tissues to thick sheets; andthe sheet may thus be formed at fast as well as moderate rates of speed. Highspeed production of well made paper is one ot' the objects in view, the present invention providing a method by which the paper may the sheet by any revent thinning or atmosphere. The sheet be formed in a reliable manner as fast as the wet sheet can be handled in a fast-speed machine.

If the liquid stock in the vat is quiet, the sheet will tend to form with its fibres all disposed in the direction of rotation of the cylinder, which is desirable for the`production of papers of greater tensile strength lengthwise than transversely. For the production of papers of increased transverse strength, or of equal strength longitudinally and transversely, the liquid stock opposite the vacuum chamber may be maintained in agitation by the stirrer or agitator 13, thereby causing the pulp fibres to collect in a crosswise disposition.

The sheet may be formed with straight clean cut edges by confining the liquid stock on the cylinder between the thin smoothfaced walls provided by the copper plates 9, and, as before indicated, leaving the crevices between the concaved edges of said plates and the cylindrical forming surface openlto the will form on'the edges defined by said plates, i. e. immediately adjacent to the crevices between said plates and the cylindrical forming surface; the liquid being held from running out through said crevices by the outside atmospheric pressure made effective by the vacuum, assisted by the damming effect of the layer of fibres gradually building up on the cylinder. Thus a clean straight edge is formed, and no troublesome deckle arrangements are required.

Regulation of the width of the sheet may be accomplished by lateral adjustment of the plates 9, controlling the width of cylindrical forming surface in contact with the liquid stock, and by correspondingly adjusting the width of vacuum area; or, in the illustrative machine, by first adjusting the movable head 26 in relation to the fixed head 25 of the suction box 18, and then adjusting the vat plates 9 to align with the heads of the suction box.

The term vertical with reference to the face plates 9 of the vat side Walls, by which the liquid stock is laterally confined on the forming cylinder, is to be understood broadly as signifying vertically disposed or upright plates for the function stated. These-plates at their concave edges adjacent to the cylindrical forming surface should be at least as far apart at their upper ends as at their lower ends, so as to avoid any crowding of the edges of the sheet or contraction of the forming area in the direction of rotation of the cylinder, Hence the plates should not incline inwardly toward their upper'ends. However, the plates may advantageously .be slightly oppositely inclined upwardly toward their upper ends so as to cause the concave edges of the lates adjacent to the cylindrical forming surfzice to diverge slightly in the direction of rotation of the cylinder, thereby relieving the edges of the sheet Yfrom frictional engagement with the plates or reducing such fric-'i tional engagement to a minimum. A vacuum forming .cylinder machine having its yat equipped with face plates so arranged 1s the subject mattei' of my copending application filed July 1, 1929, Serial No. 374,981.

As the wet sheet passes from the forming .seginent of-the cylinder, it may advantagcously be subjected to an immediate moisture extractingv process by forcing air through the sheet. For this purpose, the sheet as it traverses a succeeding segment of the forming cylinder is exposed to the action of the vacuum chamber 34, in which asuiiicient vacuum is maintai-ned to induce a strong 4draft of air currents through the sheet to l and is immediately drained of a considerable percentage of its moisture by a strong draft of air through the sheet induced by exposing the sheet to -a still higher vacuum than that employed for effecting the wet sheet formation.

The method above described for forming the wet sheet and draining its moisture may be practiced in the illustrative machine either on thecylinder l or on the cylinder 2, the cylinder 2 being equipped for that purpose with apparatus duplicating the equipment for the cylinder 1. Hence for convenience the parts associated with the cylinder 2 are designated in the `drawings by the same reference numerals as the corresponding parts associated with the cylinder 1; and the foregoing description made with reference to cylinder 1 may be considered asrepeated with reference to said cylinder 2, except that in this instance the forming surface of said cylinder 2 is provided by its wire cloth jacket 4 instead 0f by an endless travelling wire trained about the cylinder.

The cylinder 2 contair s, in addition to its suction-box equipment, a plurality of chambers, as and 41, (Fig. 1) 'for discharging from the cylinder gaseous moisture removlng media under pressure. -Said chambers 40 and 41 are connected with sources of supply by pipes 42 and 43 respectively. These chambers 40 and 41, which in this instance contain steam4 and hot compressed air, may be formed by the walls of a partitioned box structure 44, having suitable packings in contact with the cylinder. The box structure 44 may be supported in the same manner as the suction box 18, i. e. by providing it beyond the ends of the cylinder with shoes 45 bearing on and adjustably secured by bolts 46 to faces 47 of the standards 23, (Figs. 2 and 3); the bearing through the center of the larger chamber,.

which in this instance is the air chamber 41.

To permit adjusting the dimensions of the steam and air chambers 40 and 41, trans,-

versely of the machine, to corres ond with the width of paper sheet being ma e on the machine, said chambers may be equipped with adjustable heads, 48 and 49,. respectively. The end construction of the box to accommodate these heads is shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7. As shown, the box structure 44 is formed with longitudinal partitions 50 above the supply pipes 42 and 43, and the adjustable heads 4S and 49, are fitted between the side walls of the box and said partitions. Head 48 may be adjusted by a screw 5.1, provided with a hand wheel 52; and head 49 may be adjusted by a screw 53 provided with a hand wheel 54. The adjusting screws are shown swiveled to fixed brackets 55 and 56 respectively and threaded through the heads.

Whether the wet sheet of paper is formed on the cylinder l or the cylinder 2, it is carried in Contact with the cylinder 2 past the pressure chambers 40 and 41, and is supported against the pressure of the steam and air in said chambers by the endless wire cloth 3, which thus serves the double function of a carriei` for the sheet, and of a porous supporting medium for holding the sheet firmly against the blowing area of the c linder 2.

If wet sheets are simultaneously ormed on both cylinders l and 2, they are brought together and merged into a unitary thicker sheet by the convergence of the respective forming surfaces resulting from the training of the wire-cloth carrier 3 around the cylinder 2; and by the compression of the paper material between cylinder 2 and said wire cloth carrier, and by the action of the steam and air upon the material. Thus the illustrative machine may be effectively used for the practice of a process of making paper by simultaneously forming from the same stock a pluralit of wet sheets, the combined thickness of w ich equals that of the wet web for the intended sheet, and consolidating such sheets into one.

Extremely thin sheets, of uniform and good formation, may be formed from cheap stock on the forming cylinders and merged in the manner stated, thus permitting the manufacture of new products. For instance, newsprint paper of a character adapted to withstand running through high speed printing presses, with minimum liability to tearing and breaks, may be made in this manner from the ordinary cheap news rint paper stock; that is by simultaneously iorming on the cylinders 1 and 2 Wet sheets of half the thickness of the ordinary wet sheet and consolidating them as a single sheet, thereby obtaining the strengthening ei'ect ofalaminated formation. ceiving en d of a travelling press felt 60,

The present invent-ion is also adapted. for ltrained around the roller 61. y

the making of multi-ply papers ranging in thickness up to heavy card board and the like` and in this connection a machine of the character illustrated may be used for making four-ply as well as two-ply paper, since the vacuum areas maintained on the forming cylinders by the vacuum chambers 34. thereof may be utilized it desired for-formation of additional thicknesses of the respective sheets by supplying liquid stock to the sheets While traversino such vacuum areas.

As before indicated, the sheet being made in the illustrative machine, whether on one or both cylinders, traverses the blower area of the cylinder 2 while held firmly against' the cylinder by the endless wire-cloth carrier 3. As the sheet passesnthe chamber 40, it is exposed tothe pressure of steam which blows into or through the sheet, displacing the relatively cold moisture in the paper material and expellinff some of the displaced moisture clear of the sheet, while at the same time heating the paper material. More or less of the steam will condense in the form of hot moisture, but the amount of moisture supplied by steam condensation will 'be much less than the relatively cold moisture removed by the steam. Thus the action of the steam will materially reduce the total volume of moisture in the wet web or sheet, leaving the low content of retained moisture in a heated state such as to promote rapid evaporation, and thus expedite further moisture reduction as uell as the final drying of the sheet. In the linaldrying process, as usually practiced by passing the sheet in contact with steam heated rolls, the dryingT of the surfaces of the sheet by the heated rolls tends to trap moisture between the surfaces ot the sheet, so that the heart of the sheet is, often in a moist state after drying. The advantage of injecting steam into the sheet will therefore be readily appreciated, since the steam expels moisture from the very heart of the sheet and imparts a high temperature to the paper material.

As the sheet passes the chamber 41, the air discharging from said chamber into the sheet blows or forces out moisture retained in the sheet after the steam treatment; and by employing hot air for this purpose the continued reduction of the moisture content of the sheet is accompanied by continued heating; so that the paper may be delivered to the dryers in a state of very low moisture content and heated to a. temperature at which it will be evaporating its moisture.

After passing from the cylinder 2, the sheet may be delivered directly to dryers or it may be passed through one or more sets of press rolls and then delivered to the dryers. In this instance the sheet is shown passing from the delivery en'd of the wire-cloth 3 to the re- Referring Ato certain details of the illustrative machine, the cylinders 1 and 2 are shown mounted in bearing members 62, having covers 63, and each cylinder bears at each end on a pair of rollers 64 suitably mounted in thel members 62. The rollers 64 may be provided with anti-friction bearings, for instance annular ball bearings-between the rollers and their shafts, so as to reduce the power required to rotate the cylinders at the fast speeds at which they -are intended to run. The cylinders are equipped with intermeshing gears, 65 and 66, and are-driven by the ear 67 engaging one of said gears. The endess wire cloth 3 is driven b the cylinder l, and is guided by rolls 68, an passes at its delivery end around a stretch roll 69, which is adjusted to stretch the wire and maintain it in tight contact with the respective cylinders.

It will be understood that the suction boxes 'of the illustrative machine may be connected connected with a4 positive rotary pump or pumps of the type shown in the Millspaugh Patent No. 1,025,822, dated May 7, 1912, for

vmaintaining a substantially uniform vacuum; while the larger vacuum chambers 16 may be connected with similar pumping apparatus ofrequisite capacity to handle the arge volumes of water drawn from the vat, or the pipes 17 may be connected with upwardly extending pipes leading to such vacuum pumps and with downwardly extending pipes having their lower ends below the level of iquid in a Subj acent tank located in a basement or otherwise at a sufficient distance below the pipes 17 to accommodate in said downwardly extending pipes the liquid column which will be lifted by the vacuum. Apparatus of this character, ca able of maintaining a high vacuuin while andling large volumes of water, are Well known in the art.

Obviously the present invention is not limited to the specific details of construction, arrangement and mode of operation shown and described, since the same may be modified to suit different requirements and conditions. Nor is it essential that all of the features of the invention be used conjointly since they may advantageously be used in diilerent combinations and subcombinations.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A paper-making machine having, in combination, rotating cylinders on which wet sheets are simultaneously formed by vacuuminduced collection and compacting of pulp fibres on the forming surfaces of the cylinders while traversing arcs of contact with liquid stock; and means for consolidating the sheets on one of said cylinders.

2. A paper-making machine having, in

combination, oppositely rotating cylinders on which Wet'sheets are simultaneously formed; means for carrying the sheet formed 'on one ,cylinder into contact with a portion carried; means for blowing steam, air or the like from said second cylinder into or through the sheet while in contact therewith; and means cooperating with said second cylinder to support the sheet against the pressure of the steam or air blown thereinto.

4. A paper-making machine having, in combination, means providing a continuously moving cylindrical forming surface; means for maintaining vacuum action on a desired area of such surface; means for supplying liquid stock'on a yacuum area of said surface, whereby the sheet is formedon the surface traversing the liquid body; a second rotating cylinder having a pressure area traversed by the sheet after its formation; means for holdin the sheet on the surface of said second cy inder; and means in said cylinder for blowing or forcing a moisture removing medium into o'r through the sheet as it' traverses said cylinder.

5. A paper-making machine comprising, in combination, erforated cylinders rotating in opposite irections; an endless cloth trained about one of said cylinders and providing a sheet-forming surface thereon; means for maintaining liquid stock on a segment of the cylindrical forming surface provided by said cloth as it travels around said cylinder; means associated with said cylinder for subjecting said forming surface uninterruptedly to vacuum action while traversing the arc of contact with said liquid stock; said endless cloth being trained in engagement with the other oppositely rotating cylinder for a substantial arc of Contact therewith;

and means in said second cylinder for forcing a medium under pressure into or through the paper sheet as it is carried in contact with saidcylinder by said cloth.

6. A paper-makingmachine comprising, in combination, oppositely rotating cylinders having sheet forming surfaces, said surfaces converging; means for maintaining liquid stock bearingl on segments of said cylinders;

Jvacuum producing means operating unintervruptedly on said forming surfaces while traversingtheir respective arcs of contact with the liquid stock; whereby wet sheets are simultaneously produced on said cylin- V ders by vacuum-induced formation thereof,

and the said wet sheets are merged byV said converging surfaces while in an advantageous state for such mergence. Y

7. A paper-making machine having, in combination, a rotating forming cylinder; vacuum and pressure chambers therein; means for maintaining a supply of liquid pulp on a segment of said cylinder traversing a vacuum chamber; whereby a wet sheet of paper forms continuously on the forming surface of said cylinder as it passes through the are of contact with said liquid stock, and said sheet is carried past said pressure chamber and subjected to the pressure therein; and

10. A paper-making machine having, in4

combination, a pulp vat; a rotating forming cylinder supported adjacent an open side of the vat; said cylinder having on the interior thereof a vacuum area which extends above the level of the liquid in the vat; and a plurality of compartments in said cylinder for steam and air, each connected with a source of supply, for forcing steam and air into or through the sheet after its formation on the cylinder; together with means for supporting the sheet in contact with the surface of said cylinder as it traverses'said steam and air compartments.

11. A papermaking machine comprising, in combination, a rotating forming cylinder; means for maintaining a body of liquid pulp on a segment of said cylinder; a chamber in said cylinder for applying vacuum to said segment to cause formation of the wet sheet and for ap lying vacuum to the sheet Where it emerges rom the liquid; a succeeding vacuum chamber in said cylinder for extracting moisture from the formed sheet; and means for forcing moisture-removing m'edia into or through the sheet while on the cylinder.

.12. A paper-making machine having, in combination, a rotating forming cylinder; a

vacuum chamber therein for application of vacuum to a segment of said cylinder; a vat for supporting liquid pul in contact with ly moving forming surface; means for maintaining a supply of'liquid stock in contact with said surface; vacuum chambers and pressure chambers; means controlling the width of forming surface in contactwith the liquid stock; means for controlling the Width of forming surface exposed to vacuum action andl adjustable -heads for said pressure chambers.

14. A paper-making machine comprising, in combination, means including suction rolls and associated liquid stock holders for simultaneously forming a pluralityofwet sheets by uninterrupted vacuum-induced formation thereof; suction means providing vacuum areas arranged to be traversed by the sheets for reducing the moisture content of said sheets by vacuum action; and means for merging said sheets and a pressure chamber traversed by the united sheets for forcing a medium under pressure into or through the same.

15. In a paper-making machine, a rotating forming cylinder; stationary box structures therein providing vacuum and pressure chambers in said cylinder; and brackets beyond the ends of said cylinder having snrfaces disposed at an angle to each other on which a plurality of such box structures are supported for radial adjustment against the interior of the cylinder.

16. A paper-making method characterized by simultaneously effecting vacuum-induced wet sheet formation of wet sheets on oppositely continuously moving cylindrical forming surfaces, and merging said sheets by convergence of said surfaces While the sheets still contain a suitable amount of moisture for such mergence.

17. A paper-making method characterized by forming wet sheets on converging forming surfaces and merging the sheets While forcing steam into or through the paper material.

18. vA paper-making method characterized by forming Wet sheets on cylindrical surfaces exposed to vacuum action; agitating the liquid stock bearing on one of said surfaces while leaving the liquid stock which bears on the other surface quiet; and merging the sheets.

19. A paper-making method characterized by forming the Wet sheet on a continuously moving cylindrical surface; extracting moisture from the sheet While on said surface by forcing air through thel sheet; passing the sheet in contact with another continuously moving cylindrical surface; and forcing moisture removing and heating media through said last mentioned surface and into or through the sheet contacting therewith While holding the sheet in contact with such last mentioned surface.

20. A pape`rmaking method characterized by forming the Wet sheet on a continuously' moving cylindrical surfacc;extractiug moisture from the sheet While" on said surface by facturing paper in a continuous sheet characterized by simultaneously making a plurality of, continuous Wet paper plies from paper producing stock Wholly by vacuum-induced formation of said plies and vacuumlinduccd moisture reduction thereof on rotating cylinders, and carrying said plies into contact with one another and bonding them to form a unitary continuous paper sheet.

22. Theimprovement in the art of manufacturing paper in a continuous sheet characterized by simultaneously forming a plu rality of continuous Wet paper plies in a completely formed state by vacuum-induced formation on cylindric forming surfaces while traversing arcs of contact with liquid containing stock for commercial paper production; maintaining the respective plies as they emerge from and until after leaving the liquid under the action of the vacuum which induces the formation; reducing the moisture content 'of the plies While on said surfaces by independent vacuum action; and bringing the plies into contact with one another and bonding them into a unitary continuous sheet.

23. A machine for making paper in a continuous sheet comprising a plurality of suction rolls and associated means for simultaneously making'a plurality of continuous wet paper plies from liquid containing stock for commercial paper production Wholly by vacuum-induced formation of said plies and vacuum-induced moisture reduction thereof or. said suction rolls; the machine being organized and arranged to carry the plies into contact with one another and to bond them into a unitary continuous sheet.

24. A machine for making paper in a continuous sheet comprising, 1n combination, a

plurality of rolls on which Ycontinuous Wet paper plies are simultaneously formed from liquid containing stock for commercial paper production; means cooperating with said suction rolls for holding said liquidl on segments of the forming surfaces ofthe suction roll cylinders; said suction rolls having vacuum chambers for subjecting said forming surfaces to vacuum action While traversing the arcs of contact with the liquid and for continuing said vacuum action on the plies until they have passed substantially beyond the level of the liquid; other vacuum chambers in said suction rolls for applying a higher vacuum action to the plies on segments of the cylinder succecdin r wet paper plies are simultaneously formed from liquid containing stock for commercial paper production; means for holding said liquid on lateral segments of said suction rolls, leaving the remaining portions of said rolls free of the liquid body; said suction rolls having vacuum chambers arranged to apply vacuum to the forming surfaces of the rolls as they traverse the arcs of Contact with the liquid and until after moving substantially beyond the liquid, in which chambers vacuum is maintained of such degree as to effect wet sheet formation on said surfaces as they traverse said arcs of contact with the liquid; the machine being constructed and arranged to bring the sheetl or ply formed on one of said suction rolls into contact with and to bond it to the sheet or ply formed on another of said suction rolls.

26. A machine for making paper in a continuous sheet comprising, in combination, a plurality of suction rolls on which continuous Wet paper plies are simultaneously formed from liquid containing stock for commercial paper production; means for holding said iquid on lateral segments of said suction rolls, leaving the remaining portions of said rolls free of the liquid body said suction rolls having vacuum chambers arranged to apply vacuum to the forming surfaces of the rolls as they traverse the arcs of contact with the liquid and until after moving substantially beyond the liquid, in whichchambers vacuum is maintained of such degree as to effect wet sheet formation on said surfaces as they traverse said arcs of contact with the liquid; other chambers in said rolls in which independent vacuum action is maintained for forcing air through the sheets or plies for moisture reduction purposes; the machine being constructed and arranged to bring the sheet or ply formed on one of said suction rolls into contact with and to bond it to the sheet or ply formed on another of said suction rolls.

27. A machine for making paper in a continuous sheet comprising, in combination, a plurality of suction rolls on which continuous Wet paper plies are simultaneously formed from liquid containing stock for commercial paper production; means for holding such liquid on segments of the sheet-forming surfaces of said suction rolls; said suction rolls having means for maintaining said surfaces While moving past and until after passing from the liquid under the action of such vacuum as to effect Wet sheet formation on said \surfaces while traversin the arcs of contact with the liquid; an en less cloth traveling around and traversing the vacuum area of a said suction `roll and providing the sheet' forming surface thereon; said endless cloth arranged to carry off the sheet or ply formed on sai suction roll and to apply it to the sheet or ply formed on another of said suction rolls.

28. A machine for making paper in a continuous sheet comprising, in combination, a suction roll having a vacuum area; an endless cloth entrained on and traversing the vacuum area of said suction roll; means-holding on said vacuum area li uid stock suitable for commercial paper prdduction; said area being subjected to such vacuum asto,`eect. con- -tinuous Wet sheet formation on said cloth as it traverses the arc of Contact 4with the liquid; and means including another such suction roll and cooperating liquid holding means for forming another continuous sheet and delivering it in contact with thatcarried on said endless cloth.

29. The improvement in the art of manufacturing paper in a continuous sheet characterized by simultaneously making a plurality of continuous Wet paper plies from paper producing stock Wholly by vacuum-induced formation and vacuumdnduced moisture reduction'of said plies on rotating cylinders; applying said plies one to another and carryin the contacting plies while applying a distri uted surface pressure thereon.

30. The improvement in the artl of manufacturing paper in a continuous sheet characterized by simultaneously making a plurality of continuous Wet paper plies from paper producing stock Wholly by vacuum-induced formation and vacuum-induced moisture reduction of saidplies on rotating cylinders; and carrying the plies in contact with another while subjecting them to pressure of a Huid medium.

3l. The improvement in the art of manufacturing paper in a continuous sheet characterized by simultaneously making a plurality of continuous Wet paper plies from paper producing stock Wholly by vacuum-in duced formation and vacuum-induced moisture reduction of said plies on rotating cylinders; and carrying theplies in Contact one with another While forcing a moisture-removing medium into or through the paper.

32. The improvement in the art of manufacturing paper in a-continuous sheet characterized by simultaneou,c` j making a plurality of. continuous Wet paper plies from paper producing stock Whol y b vacuum-induced formation and vacuum-in uced moisture reduction of said plies on rotating cylinders; and carryin the plies in contact one with another whiige forcing a heating medium into the paper.

33. A' paper making machine comprising,

in combination, a suction roll having a vacuum area; a. second oppositely revolving suction roll having vacuum and pressure areas and provided with a covering for a. sheetforming surface; an endless cloth trained in engagement with said rolls so as to traverse the vacuum area of said first mentioned roll and the pressure area of the second roll; and means for supplying liquid stock on vacuum areas ofsaid rolls; whereby a vet sheet may be formed under vacuum action on either of said rolls and subjected to the action of the pressure areaof the second roll While supported tliereagainst by said endless cloth, or wet sheets may be vsimultaneously formed on lsaid rolls and passed in contact over said pressure area While held by said cloth. Y

34. The improvement inthe manufacturing of paper in a continuous sheet, comprising in flowing a suitable p ulp mixture `for paper sheet formation against. a traveling Wire passing around the ascending side of a forming cylinder, inducing by suction the deposit of the pulp upon the Wire substantially as a formed paper sheet, continuing the suction after the deposit upon the Wire has left the pulp solution to partly dr and to consolidate the sheet, conveying t ie sheetupon the wire away from the forming cylinder, and continuously removing the sheet from the Wire.

35. The improvement in the manufacturing of paper in a continuous sheet, comprising in flowing a suitablepulp mixture for paper sheet formation against a carrier passing around the ascending side of a forming cylinder, inducing by suction the deposit in sheet form of the pulp upon the carrier, continuing the suction after the deposit upon the carrier has left the pulp solution to partly dry and to consolidate the sheet, forming upon the surface of another cylinder a sheet similar to the first sheet and depositing the second .sheet upon the first While on the carrier, conveying the combined sheets by the carrier as they bond together into a single sheet, and continuously removing the sheet composed of said combined sheets from the carrier.

36. The improvement in the manufacturing of paper in a continuous sheet, characterized by continuous making of the Wet sheet of paper on a cylindric area of forming surface provided by an endless wire traveling over a rotating suction roll or cylinder; properly prepared liquid stock for paper formation being continuously supplied on a segment of said cylindric area while maintaining said area under suitable vacuum to cause the continuous deposition and firm holding and compacting of paper stock fibres in a uniform sheet on the traveling Wire 'as it traverses the arc of contact with the liquid and to hold the formation intact as the sheet the liquid, while removing water from and forcing air through the sheet as it passes from and after it leaves the liquid for further removal of water and compacting action; whereby the wet sheet is made as a uniform, closely compacted, intact paper sheet in condition to be removed from said wire and to undergo the ensuing operations for completing the manufacture of the paper.

37. A paper-making apparatus having, in combination, a rotating forming cylinder provided with a forming surface; said cylinder having suction-box equipment for applying vacuum on an area of said surface, said suction box equipment having means .adapted for adjusting the width of the vacuum area; and means for holding liquid stock on a segment of the vacuum area, including laterally-adjustable means confinin the stock on said forming surface for adjusting the width of liquid area in contact there` with in accordance with tlie Width of the vacuum area.

38. The improvement in the manufacturing of paper in a continuous sheet which consists in supplying water bearing fibres for paper sheet formation on a segment of cylindric forming surface provided by a traveling wire on a rotating cylinder while continuously rapidly withdrawing said water through said surface by such vacuum action imposed on a continuous determined area of said surface sealed by the Water and sheet emerging therefrom as to cause quick forceful deposition and firm holding and compacting of bres on said surface as it travcrses the arc of contact with the liquid and an uninterrupted exposure to the forming vacuum action as the sheet emerges and until it passes from the liquid, whereby a uniform, closely compacted paper sheet is formed on the Wire as it traverses the arc of contact with the liquid and is delivered intact and immediately undergoes consolidating and drainage action of the forming vacuum; conveying the sheet on the Wire from the cylinder; subjecting the sheet While on the wire to additional vacuum action for moisture-reduction; and continuously removing the sheet from the wire.

39. The improvement in the manufacture of paper in a continuous sheet characterized b v continuously forming the paper as a conipletely formed, closely compacted sheet by vacuum-induced formation on a segment of a rotating forming cylinder While supplying the surface on which the sheet is formed by running a wire around the cylinder and carrying the formed sheet from the forming cylinder by the wire and removing the sheet from the wire.

40. The improvement in the manufacture of paper in a continuous sheet characterized by continuously forming the Wet paper sheet passes through .and from l on a traveling wire by supplying pulp solution for paper formation against the wire on a segment of a forming cylinder while continuously drawing large volumes of water from the solution through the wire by vacuum with such force as to cause quick deposi tion and firm holding and impacting of fibres on 'the wire as it traverses the arc of Contact with the liquid, the vacuum being applied on a continuous area partially covered by the solution and extending beyond the point where the sheet leaves the solution, whereby a closely compacted sheet is delivered from the liquid with its formation intact and is immediately subjected to consolidating and drainage action of the forming vacuum as it emerges from the liquid, and continuously carrying off the sheet rom the forming c linder by the wire and removing the sheet rom the wire.

4l. A paper-making method characterized by maintaining a body of liquid stock on a segment of continuously moving cylindrical forming surface; leaving narrow undammed crevices between said cylindrical surface and the lateral retaining walls for said pulp body; and maintaining said segnientunder action of vacuum of sufficient Strength to prevent the pulp liquid from running out through said crevices and to cause formation on the surface traversing the liquid of a wet sheet with clean straight edges defined by the edges of said walls.

42. A paper-making method characterized by maintaining a body Aof liquid4 ulp bear ing on a segment of continuous g moving cylindrical forming surface; con ning the liquid in contact with said surface between thin smooth-faced vertical walls shaped to overlie the said surface closely but not actually contacting therewith; leaving the crevices between said surface and the edges of said walls open to the atmosphere; and maintaining said surface while passing the liquid under action of vacuum of sufficient intensity to effect wet-sheet formation by collection and compacting of pulp fibres on the said surface during its contact with the liquid and to hold the liquid from running out through said crevices, thereby causing the sheet to form with straight edges.

43. A paper-making machine having, in combination, means providing a continuously moving cylindrical forming surface; means for maintaining a supply of liquid pulp bear-.

ing on a segmentof such surface; thin vertical plates between which the liquid in contact with said surface is confined, said plates having concave edges shaped to conform to said cylindrical surface and closely overlying the same butI not contacting therewith, and the crevices between said edges and surface being open to the atmosphere; and means for maintaining vacuum action on the area of said surface in contact with the liquid.

face; and means for maintaining vacuum action on the surface traversing the liquid body.

45. A paper-making machine having, in combination, a rotating cylinder on which the wet sheet is formed; means for maintaining vacuum action on a segment of said cylinder; means for maintaining a supply of liquid pulp bearing on a portion of the cylinder exposed to-vacuum action; an endless carrier to which the sheet is transferred from said cylinder; and means for blowing against the sheet While supported on said carrier.

46. A paper-making apparatus having, in combination, means providing a continuously moving cylindric forming surface; a vat co Operatingwith said surface to -hold liquid stock thereon; the vat side walls adjacent to said surface comprising vertically disposed smooth-faced plates having concaveedges conforming to the curvature of and closely overlying said surface but not in contact therewith, the crevices between said edges and surface being open to the atmosphere; and means for maintaining vacuum action on the area of said surface in contact with the liquid.

47. A paper-making apparatus having, in combination, means providing a continuously-moving cylindric sheet-forming surface; means for flowing liquid stock against said surface; means laterally confining the liquid stock on said surface comprising vertically disposed smooth-faced plates having concave edges conforming to the curvature of and closely overlying said surface but not in contact therewith, the crevices between said edges and surface being open to the atmosphere; and a vacuum chamber sealed by the liquid stock and the sheet passing from the liquid.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

WILLIAM H. MILLSPAUGH. 

